Our minds are rarely quiet. Questions, ideas, thoughts and plans constantly flow through our consciousness, often with little order or purpose. But knowing how to clear your mind and create headspace can improve your wellbeing in so many ways.

What Is Headspace and Why Is It Important?

We live in an extremely busy world. We face a barrage of information every day as we juggle multiple sources of communication and an endless stream of notifications. All this ‘noise’ makes it difficult to switch off. Our minds become overloaded and we start to feel overwhelmed which can lead to stress and anxiety.

Headspace is time free from mental pressures. It’s the opportunity to be present, think clearly and reflect. It’s a chance to process situations and experiences slowly and carefully. It can help you feel calm, make you more resilient and improve your quality of sleep. So, how do you prevent your thoughts from racing and create some headspace?

Create Physical Space

Physical and digital clutter make it difficult to empty your mind. When your surroundings are busy and chaotic, your brain must process constant distractions. The need to organise, clean and tidy also adds another task to your ‘mental load’ – the burden of remembering and executing the numerous tasks required to keep a household ticking over.

While you’re thinking about physical space, look at your diary too. We often give time to others without giving it to ourselves. Make downtime non-negotiable by blocking out a handful of weekends and evenings.

Create a Self-Care Practice

Many self-care practices go hand-in-hand with headspace; meditation is a perfect example. Establishing a regular practice will help you develop the skills you need to focus and clear your mind. Journaling is an opportunity to get your thoughts down on paper and mindful breathing is a wellbeing tool you can use at any time.

If you’re struggling to make self-care part of your everyday, read about building a routine here and overcoming resistance here.

Create More Than You Consume

Creativity can be a powerful form of self-care. Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person, making or doing something with your hands allows you to let your mind wander and relax. As you become completely immersed in a creative activity, you may find yourself entering a state of ‘flow’. Positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi describes this as ‘being completely involved in an activity for its own sake.’

‘The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.’

If doing something creative really isn’t your thing, a flow state can also be achieved through certain forms of exercise like yoga and running. These activities force your mind to focus on the movements of your body, the power of your muscles, and the force of your lungs. You can discover what yoga teaches us about breathing here.